Outstanding youth workers, volunteers, projects and organisations from across Scotland have been recognised at the National Youth Work Awards 2026, celebrating the life-changing impact of youth work in communities across the country.
Organised by YouthLink Scotland, the awards recognise excellence across the youth work sector, highlighting the people and projects helping young people build confidence, develop skills, overcome challenges and create positive change.
The National Youth Work Awards are made possible through the support of sponsors and partners who share a commitment to Scotland’s young people and the vital role youth work plays in helping them thrive. Their support enables YouthLink Scotland to celebrate outstanding practice, recognise achievement and shine a spotlight on the positive impact youth work has in communities across the country.
YouthLink Scotland would like to thank BBC Children in Need, Youth Scotland, Sky, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Police Federation, Institute of Directors Scotland, Planet Youth, MCR Pathways, Perthshire Youth Work Partnership and Young Scot for sponsoring this year’s awards and helping us celebrate the very best of Scotland’s youth work sector.
This year’s winners reflect the incredible diversity of youth work in Scotland – from tackling violence against young women and supporting victims of crime to empowering care-experienced young people, developing future STEM leaders, strengthening rural communities and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
YouthLink Scotland Chief Executive Tim Frew said:
“Every year, the Awards remind us of something simple but profound: youth work changes lives. It changes lives through relationships built over time, through opportunities that open doors, with trusted adults who listen without judgement, and in spaces where young people are seen, heard and valued.
“The stories represented tonight speak to the breadth and depth of our sector. They show youth work supporting mental health and wellbeing, tackling inequality, preventing harm, strengthening communities, nurturing creativity, building skills, and amplifying young people’s voices.”
Aimee Mason and Jessica Parker – North Ayrshire Council
Aimee and Jess represent what youth work makes possible. Having progressed from youth work participants to volunteers and now youth workers, they are leading youth participation across Garnock Valley, supporting young people to influence local decision-making and creating initiatives that support families and communities.
Molly Geddes – Glasgow Girls Club
Sponsored by Institute of Directors Scotland
Molly’s journey began as a participant at Glasgow Girls Club aged 14. Today she is a Creative Director and youth worker leading projects that support young women to explore confidence, safety and healthy relationships. Her award-winning campaign, Where We Stop, has reached millions of people and become a recognised prevention resource tackling violence against young women and abuse in young relationships.
Cutting Edge Theatre
Sponsored by BBC Children in Need
Scotland’s only youth theatre specifically for learning-disabled, disabled and autistic young people, Cutting Edge Theatre provides a space where young people can build confidence, communication skills and independence through performance and creativity.
BEE’s Young Volunteer Programme – Brighter East End
Sponsored by Youth Scotland
In Easterhouse, young volunteers are helping shape programmes, support younger children and contribute to community decision-making. The programme develops leadership, confidence and real responsibility, with many volunteers progressing into staff roles.
P4F Robotics – Passion4Fusion
Sponsored by Sky
P4F Robotics is inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators. Young people design, build and programme robots while developing teamwork, leadership and technical skills, with the team achieving success on national robotics stages.
Fauve Chapman – Borders Additional Needs Group
Fauve has transformed the lives of neurodivergent young people across the Scottish Borders through a neuro-affirming approach that builds confidence, independence and meaningful connections. She has helped create inclusive spaces supporting more than 500 families every year.
6VT Cairn Service
Sponsored by Public Health Scotland
The Cairn Service supports young people aged 10–25 who have experienced or witnessed crime. The only service of its kind in Scotland, it provides long-term, trusted support that helps young people recover, rebuild confidence and navigate complex justice processes.
A Bird’s Eye View on Hate Crime – Creative Stirling
Sponsored by Scottish Police Federation
Developed by young people, this innovative animation project tackles prejudice and hate crime through creativity and lived experience. The campaign is helping spark conversations and promote safer, more inclusive communities across Scotland.
Lochview Rural Training
Based on a working croft in the Highlands, Lochview Rural Training is helping tackle rural skills shortages and youth depopulation by equipping young people with practical land-based, agricultural and employability skills while building confidence and wellbeing.
Team NLN – National Leadership Network
Sponsored by Planet Youth
Led by people with lived experience of care, Team NLN is redefining youth leadership in Scotland. The network has distributed more than £200,000 in grants while creating opportunities for care-experienced young people to influence decisions and drive change.
Ready2Thrive – West Dunbartonshire Council
Sponsored by MCR Pathways
Ready2Thrive provides tailored one-to-one coaching for young people who struggle in traditional settings, helping them build confidence, gain qualifications and move into positive destinations including education, volunteering and employment.
Aberdeen Youth Movement (AYM) – Aberdeen City Council
Sponsored by Perthshire Youth Work Partnership
AYM has created a powerful model of youth participation, engaging hundreds of young people in consultations, distributing youth-led grants and ensuring young voices influence decisions locally, nationally and internationally.
Libby Ong – Girlguiding Scotland
Sponsored by Young Scot
Libby supports hundreds of girls and volunteers across Dumfries and Galloway, creating opportunities that build confidence, ambition and leadership while ensuring geography is never a barrier to participation.
The National Youth Work Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contribution youth work makes to young people’s lives and to communities across Scotland.
From major cities to island and rural communities, from arts and creativity to health and wellbeing, from volunteering to leadership, this year’s winners demonstrate the power of youth work to create opportunities, strengthen communities and help young people realise their potential.
YouthLink Scotland would like to thank all finalists, judges, sponsors and supporters who helped make this year’s awards possible.
Most importantly, congratulations to all of our 2026 winners.